U.S. patent application number 12/075918 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-18 for apparatus, methods, and computer program products providing unsolicited harq for system information in the downlink.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nokia Corporation. Invention is credited to Seppo M. Alanara.
Application Number | 20080225776 12/075918 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39709076 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080225776 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alanara; Seppo M. |
September 18, 2008 |
Apparatus, methods, and computer program products providing
unsolicited HARQ for system information in the downlink
Abstract
In one non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, incremental HARQ
combining is performed in the DL for system information (e.g., the
BCCH) without the interactive ACK/NACK responses that are an
element of conventional HARQ. Instead, a number of unsolicited HARQ
repeats are sent. That is, one or more HARQ incremental repeats of
the BCCH frame are sent without any ACK/NACK feedback (e.g., from
the UE). In one non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, a method
includes: transmitting a system information message from a base
station to a user equipment; and retransmitting the system
information message as an unsolicited HARQ message from the base
station to the user equipment, wherein the unsolicited HARQ message
is not triggered by an indication from the user equipment. In
further exemplary embodiments, the system information message is
retransmitted as the unsolicited HARQ message in order to maintain
a target BLER within a coverage area of the base station.
Inventors: |
Alanara; Seppo M.; (Oulu,
FI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARRINGTON & SMITH, PC
4 RESEARCH DRIVE
SHELTON
CT
06484-6212
US
|
Assignee: |
Nokia Corporation
|
Family ID: |
39709076 |
Appl. No.: |
12/075918 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60918184 |
Mar 14, 2007 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
370/315 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 1/08 20130101; H04L
1/189 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
370/315 |
International
Class: |
H04B 3/36 20060101
H04B003/36 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: transmitting a system information message
from a base station to a user equipment; and retransmitting the
system information message as an unsolicited hybrid automatic
repeat-request (HARQ) message from the base station to the user
equipment, wherein the unsolicited HARQ message is not triggered by
an indication from the user equipment.
2. A method as in claim 1, wherein the system information message
is retransmitted as the unsolicited HARQ message in order to
maintain a target block error rate (BLER) within a coverage area of
the base station.
3. A method as in claim 2, further comprising: estimating a number
of HARQ repeats that are to be sent in order to ensure the target
BLER for the coverage area.
4. A method as in claim 1, wherein the system information message
comprises at least one broadcast control channel frame.
5. A method as in claim 1, wherein the system information message
is transmitted via a dynamic broadcast channel or a downlink shared
channel.
6. A method as in claim 1, wherein the system information message
is retransmitted as the unsolicited HARQ message n times, wherein n
comprises an integer.
7. A method as in claim 1, further comprising: receiving an
acknowledgement or negative acknowledgement from the user equipment
in response to transmission of the system information message or
retransmission of the system information message as the unsolicited
HARQ message.
8. A method as in claim 1, further comprising: transmitting a HARQ
indication from the base station to the user equipment, wherein the
HARQ indication is indicative that an unsolicited HARQ technique is
being used by the base station.
9. A method as in claim 1, wherein the base station and the user
equipment comprise nodes of an evolved universal terrestrial radio
access network.
10. A program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly
embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for
performing operations, said operations comprising: transmitting a
system information message from a base station to a user equipment;
and retransmitting the system information message as an unsolicited
hybrid automatic repeat-request (HARQ) message from the base
station to the user equipment, wherein the unsolicited HARQ message
is not triggered by an indication from the user equipment.
11. A program storage device as in claim 10, wherein the system
information message is retransmitted as the unsolicited HARQ
message in order to maintain a target block error rate (BLER)
within a coverage area of the base station.
12. A program storage device as in claim 11, said operations
further comprising: estimating a number of HARQ repeats that are to
be sent in order to ensure the target BLER for the coverage
area.
13. A program storage device as in claim 10, wherein the system
information message comprises at least one broadcast control
channel frame.
14. A program storage device as in claim 10, wherein the system
information message is transmitted via a dynamic broadcast channel
or a downlink shared channel.
15. A program storage device as in claim 10, wherein the system
information message is retransmitted as the unsolicited HARQ
message n times, wherein n comprises an integer.
16. A program storage device as in claim 10, said operations
further comprising: receiving an acknowledgement or negative
acknowledgement from the user equipment in response to transmission
of the system information message or retransmission of the system
information message as the unsolicited HARQ message.
17. A program storage device as in claim 10, said operations
further comprising: transmitting a HARQ indication from the base
station to the user equipment, wherein the HARQ indication is
indicative that unsolicited HARQ is in use by the base station.
18. A program storage device as in claim 10, wherein the base
station and the user equipment comprise nodes of an evolved
universal terrestrial radio access network.
19. A program storage device as in claim 10, wherein the machine
comprises the user equipment.
20. An apparatus comprising: a data processor; and a transmitter
configured to transmit a system information message to a user
equipment and to retransmit the system information message as an
unsolicited hybrid automatic repeat-request (HARQ) message to the
user equipment, wherein the unsolicited HARQ message is not
triggered by an indication from the user equipment.
21. An apparatus as in claim 20, wherein the system information
message is retransmitted as the unsolicited HARQ message in order
to maintain a target block error rate (BLER) within a coverage area
of the apparatus.
22. An apparatus as in claim 21, wherein the data processor is
configured to estimate a number of HARQ repeats that are to be sent
via the transmitter in order to ensure the target BLER for the
coverage area.
23. An apparatus as in claim 20, wherein the system information
message comprises at least one broadcast control channel frame.
24. An apparatus as in claim 20, wherein the system information
message is transmitted via a dynamic broadcast channel or a
downlink shared channel.
25. An apparatus as in claim 20, wherein the system information
message is retransmitted as the unsolicited HARQ message n times,
wherein n comprises an integer.
26. An apparatus as in claim 20, further comprising: a receiver
configured to receive an acknowledgement or negative
acknowledgement from the user equipment in response to transmission
of the system information message or retransmission of the system
information message as the unsolicited HARQ message.
27. An apparatus as in claim 20, wherein the transmitter is further
configured to transmit a HARQ indication from the base station to
the user equipment, wherein the HARQ indication is indicative that
unsolicited HARQ is in use by the apparatus.
28. An apparatus as in claim 20, wherein the apparatus comprises a
base station.
29. An apparatus as in claim 28, wherein the base station comprises
a node of an evolved universal terrestrial radio access
network.
30. An apparatus comprising: means for transmitting a system
information message to a user equipment; and means for
retransmitting the system information message as an unsolicited
hybrid automatic repeat-request (HARQ) message to the user
equipment, wherein the unsolicited HARQ message is not triggered by
an indication from the user equipment.
31. An apparatus as in claim 30, wherein the system information
message is retransmitted as the unsolicited HARQ message in order
to maintain a target block error rate (BLER) within a coverage area
of the apparatus.
32. An apparatus as in claim 30, further comprising means for
processing, wherein the means for processing comprises a processor,
wherein the means for transmitting and the means for retransmitting
comprise a transmitter or a transceiver.
33. An apparatus as in claim 30, wherein the apparatus comprises a
base station.
34. An apparatus as in claim 33, wherein the base station comprises
a node of an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/918,184, filed Mar. 14, 2007, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of this invention
relate generally to wireless communication systems, apparatus,
methods and computer program products and, more specifically,
relate to hybrid automatic repeat-requests.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The following abbreviations are utilized herein: [0004] ACK
acknowledgement [0005] ARQ automatic repeat-request [0006] BCH
broadcast channel [0007] BCCH broadcast control channel [0008] BLER
block error rate [0009] CQI channel quality indicator [0010] CRC
cyclic redundancy check [0011] D-BCH dynamic broadcast channel
[0012] DCCH dedicated control channel [0013] DL downlink (Node B to
UE) [0014] DL-SCH downlink shared channel [0015] DTCH dedicated
traffic channel [0016] E-UTRAN evolved universal terrestrial radio
access network (LTE of UTRAN) [0017] HARQ hybrid automatic
repeat-request [0018] L1 layer 1 (physical layer, PHY) [0019] LTE
long term evolution of UTRAN (E-UTRAN) [0020] MAC medium access
control (layer 2, L2) [0021] MIB master information block [0022]
NACK negative acknowledgement [0023] Node B base station [0024]
PDCCH physical downlink control channel [0025] RV redundancy
version [0026] UE user equipment, such as a mobile station or
mobile terminal [0027] UL uplink (UE to Node B)
[0028] Consider the currently proposed channel coding of system
information in E-UTRAN. One element comprises using the BCCH
logical channel, as mapped to the BCH transport channel, to
transmit at least a portion of system information. Currently, the
transport format is of a fixed, though as yet unspecified (i.e.,
undetermined), size. The channel coding rate is assumed to be
implicitly given by the combination of transport block size,
modulation and resource assignment. Furthermore, no BCH HARQ is
employed.
[0029] HARQ is a scheme for re-transmitting a packet to compensate
for an erroneous packet. In particular, HARQ is useful for
instances when an error occurs in the reception of an initially
transmitted data packet. HARQ functionality helps ensure accurate
delivery between peer entities at L1. HARQ uses multiple
stop-and-wait processes operating in parallel. For example, for
each transport block received in the UL, an acknowledgment is
transmitted from the Node B to the UE after the receiver of the
Node B performs a CRC to indicate a successful decoding (ACK) or to
request a retransmission of the erroneously received transport
block (NACK). UL signaling includes the one-bit HARQ
positive/negative acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK/NACK), and five-bit
measurement report (CQI), as non-limiting examples. At the Node B,
the UL signaling information or status report is processed by a MAC
sublayer. These ACK/NACK messages are generally transmitted with
special physical layer signaling independent of data
transmission.
[0030] HARQ may also be used in the DL in a similar manner.
Currently, E-UTRAN utilizes HARQ in both the UL and DL. As such,
for each transport block received in the DL by the UE, a HARQ
message (i.e., ACK or NACK) is transmitted from the UE to the Node
B. An ACK is signaled after the receiver of the UE performs a CRC
that indicates a successful decoding while a NACK comprises a
request for retransmission of an erroneously received (e.g.,
erroneously decoded) transport block.
[0031] Reference with regard to E-UTRAN may be made to 3GPP TS
36.300 V1.0.0, "3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical
Specification Group Radio Access Network; Evolved Universal
Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) and Evolved Universal Terrestrial
Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN); Overall description; Stage 2
(Release 8)," March 2007. Specific reference is made to Section 7.4
of TS 36.300 V1.0.0 with regards to system information.
SUMMARY
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method
comprising: transmitting a system information message from a base
station to a user equipment; and retransmitting the system
information message as an unsolicited hybrid automatic
repeat-request (HARQ) message from the base station to the user
equipment, wherein the unsolicited HARQ message is not triggered by
an indication from the user equipment.
[0033] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a program
storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program
of instructions executable by the machine for performing
operations, said operations comprising: transmitting a system
information message from a base station to a user equipment; and
retransmitting the system information message as an unsolicited
hybrid automatic repeat-request (HARQ) message from the base
station to the user equipment, wherein the unsolicited HARQ message
is not triggered by an indication from the user equipment.
[0034] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an
apparatus comprising: a data processor; and a transmitter
configured to transmit a system information message to a user
equipment and to retransmit the system information message as an
unsolicited hybrid automatic repeat-request (HARQ) message to the
user equipment, wherein the unsolicited HARQ message is not
triggered by an indication from the user equipment.
[0035] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an
apparatus comprising: means for transmitting a system information
message from a base station to a user equipment; and means for
retransmitting the system information message as an unsolicited
hybrid automatic repeat-request (HARQ) message from the base
station to the user equipment, wherein the unsolicited HARQ message
is not triggered by an indication from the user equipment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] The foregoing and other aspects of exemplary embodiments of
this invention are made more evident in the following Detailed
Description, when read in conjunction with the attached Drawing
Figures, wherein:
[0037] FIG. 1 shows a simplified block diagram of various exemplary
electronic devices that are suitable for use in practicing the
exemplary embodiments of this invention; and
[0038] FIGS. 2 and 3 depict flowcharts illustrating two
non-limiting examples of methods for practicing the exemplary
embodiments of this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] The BCH shares the DL capacity with the DL-SCH. As it
stands, in E-UTRAN UEs implement the HARQ process for the DL-SCH.
Thus, it is possible for the UEs (e.g., receivers) to combine the
HARQ repeats incrementally.
[0040] Aspects of the exemplary embodiments of the invention
improve efficiency, for example, by enabling a receiver to utilize
similar (e.g., the same) techniques for BCCH reception as for
DL-SCH reception, such as for DCCH and/or DTCH, as non-limiting
examples.
[0041] In one non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, incremental HARQ
combining is performed in the DL for system information (e.g., the
BCCH) without the interactive ACK/NACK responses that form a key
element in conventional HARQ. Instead, a number of unsolicited HARQ
repeats are sent. That is, one or more HARQ incremental repeats of
the BCCH frame are sent without any ACK/NACK feedback.
[0042] In other exemplary embodiments, the incremental soft
combining algorithms available in the UE can be utilized. In
further exemplary embodiments, it may be preferable to determine or
set a target BLER and subsequently estimate the number of HARQ
repeats that should be sent in order to ensure the target BLER for
the BCCH in the service area (e.g., in the whole service area).
These values may be obtained by running simulations, for example.
In other exemplary embodiments, any suitable number of HARQ repeats
may be employed. In further exemplary embodiments, the number of
HARQ repeats comprises a preset value. In other exemplary
embodiments, the number of HARQ repeats is based on one or more
measurements performed by the UE and/or Node B. as non-limiting
examples. As non-limiting examples, the HARQ may be based on a
measured or determined BLER.
[0043] In further exemplary embodiments, the HARQ repeats are sent
within a relatively short time period following the initial
transmission of that frame. In other exemplary embodiments, the
unsolicited HARQ repeat system may be utilized in conjunction with
the conventional ACK/NACK HARQ functionality. As a non-limiting
example, a certain number of HARQ repeats may be sent after which,
unless an ACK or NACK message (as specified by the parameters of
the system) is received, no additional HARQ repeats are
transmitted. As a further non-limiting example, a certain number of
HARQ repeats may be sent. In response to receiving an ACK or NACK
message (as specified by the parameters of the system) immediately
thereafter, one or more additional HARQ repeats may be sent.
[0044] Reference is made to FIG. 1 for illustrating a simplified
block diagram of various exemplary electronic devices that are
suitable for use in practicing the exemplary embodiments of this
invention. In FIG. 1, a wireless network 12 is adapted for
communication with a user equipment (UE) 14 via an access node (AN)
16. The UE 14 includes a data processor (DP) 18, a memory (MEM) 20
coupled to the DP 18, and a suitable RF transceiver (TRANS) 22
(having a transmitter (TX) and a receiver (RX)) coupled to the DP
18. The MEM 20 stores a program (PROG) 24. The TRANS 22 is for
bidirectional wireless communications with the AN 16. Note that the
TRANS 22 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication.
[0045] The AN 16 includes a data processor (DP) 26, a memory (MEM)
28 coupled to the DP 26, and a suitable RF transceiver (TRANS) 30
(having a transmitter (TX) and a receiver (RX)) coupled to the DP
26. The MEM 28 stores a program (PROG) 32. The TRANS 30 is for
bidirectional wireless communications with the UE 14. Note that the
TRANS 30 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The
AN 16 is coupled via a data path 34 to one or more external
networks or systems, such as the internet 36, for example.
[0046] At least one of the PROGs 24, 32 is assumed to include
program instructions that, when executed by the associated DP,
enable the electronic device to operate in accordance with the
exemplary embodiments of this invention, as discussed herein.
[0047] In general, the various embodiments of the UE 14 can
include, but are not limited to, mobile stations, mobile terminals,
mobile phones, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs)
having wireless communication capabilities, portable computers
having wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices
such as digital cameras having wireless communication capabilities,
gaming devices having wireless communication capabilities, music
storage and playback appliances having wireless communication
capabilities, Internet appliances permitting wireless Internet
access and browsing, as well as portable units or terminals that
incorporate combinations of such functions.
[0048] The embodiments of this invention may be implemented by
computer software executable by one or more of the DPs 18, 26 of
the UE 14 and the AN 16, or by hardware, or by a combination of
software and hardware.
[0049] The MEMs 20, 28 may be of any type suitable to the local
technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable
data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory
devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory
devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory, as
non-limiting examples. The DPs 18, 26 may be of any type suitable
to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of
general purpose computers, special purpose computers,
microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors
based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting
examples.
[0050] As can be seen, the exemplary embodiments of the invention
enable incremental HARQ combining in the DL for system information
(e.g., the BCH) utilizing unsolicited HARQ (e.g., HARQ repeats)
instead of, or in addition to, conventional interactive ACK/NACK
responses.
[0051] Below are provided further descriptions of non-limiting,
exemplary embodiments of the invention. The below-described
exemplary embodiments are separately numbered for clarity and
identification. This numbering should not be construed as wholly
separating the below descriptions since various aspects of one or
more exemplary embodiments may be practiced in conjunction with one
or more other aspects or exemplary embodiments.
[0052] (1) In one non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, and as
illustrated in FIG. 2, a method comprising: transmitting a system
information message from a base station to a user equipment (201);
and retransmitting the system information message as an unsolicited
hybrid automatic repeat-request (HARQ) message from the base
station to the user equipment, wherein the unsolicited HARQ message
is not triggered by an indication from the user equipment
(202).
[0053] A method as above, wherein the system information message is
retransmitted as the unsolicited HARQ message in order to maintain
a target block error rate (BLER) within a coverage area of the base
station. A method as in the previous, further comprising:
estimating a number of HARQ repeats that are to be sent in order to
ensure the target BLER for the coverage area. A method as in any
above, wherein the system information message comprises at least
one broadcast control channel frame. A method as in any above,
wherein the system information message is transmitted via a dynamic
broadcast channel or a downlink shared channel.
[0054] A method as in any above, wherein the system information
message is retransmitted as the unsolicited HARQ message n times,
wherein n comprises an integer. A method as in any above, wherein n
comprises a predetermined value. A method as in any above, wherein
a value of n is based on at least one measurement performed by the
user equipment or the base station. A method as in any above,
wherein a value of n is based on a determined block error rate.
[0055] A method as in any above, wherein retransmission of the
system information message as the unsolicited HARQ message occurs
within a relatively short time period following the initial
transmission of the system information message. A method as in any
above, further comprising: receiving an acknowledgement or negative
acknowledgement from the user equipment in response to transmission
of the system information message or retransmission of the system
information message as the unsolicited HARQ message. A method as in
any above, wherein the base station and the user equipment comprise
nodes of an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network. A
method as in any above, wherein the method is implemented by a
computer program.
[0056] A method as in any above, further comprising: transmitting a
HARQ indication from the base station to the user equipment,
wherein the HARQ indication is indicative that unsolicited HARQ is
in use by the base station. A method as in any above, wherein the
system information message comprises the HARQ indication. A method
as in any above, wherein a master information block (MIB) comprises
the HARQ indication. A method as in any above, wherein a
transmission on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)
comprises the HARQ indication. A method as in any above, wherein
the HARQ indication comprises a dedicated value of redundancy
version (RV). A method as in any above, wherein the HARQ indication
comprises a HARQ process identification.
[0057] (2) In another non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of the
invention, a program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly
embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for
performing operations, said operations comprising: transmitting a
system information message from a base station to a user equipment;
and retransmitting the system information message as an unsolicited
hybrid automatic repeat-request (HARQ) message from the base
station to the user equipment, wherein the unsolicited HARQ message
is not triggered by an indication from the user equipment.
[0058] A program storage device as above, wherein the system
information message is retransmitted as the unsolicited HARQ
message in order to maintain a target block error rate (BLER)
within a coverage area of the base station. A program storage
device as in the previous, said operations further comprising:
estimating a number of HARQ repeats that are to be sent in order to
ensure the target BLER for the coverage area. A program storage
device as in any above, wherein the system information message
comprises at least one broadcast control channel frame. A program
storage device as in any above, wherein the system information
message is transmitted via a dynamic broadcast channel or a
downlink shared channel.
[0059] A program storage device as in any above, wherein the system
information message is retransmitted as the unsolicited HARQ
message n times, wherein n comprises an integer. A program storage
device as in any above, wherein n comprises a predetermined value.
A program storage device as in any above, wherein a value of n is
based on at least one measurement performed by the user equipment
or the base station. A program storage device as in any above,
wherein a value of n is based on a determined block error rate.
[0060] A program storage device as in any above, wherein
retransmission of the system information message as the unsolicited
HARQ message occurs within a relatively short time period following
the initial transmission of the system information message. A
program storage device as in any above, said operations further
comprising: receiving an acknowledgement or negative
acknowledgement from the user equipment in response to transmission
of the system information message or retransmission of the system
information message as the unsolicited HARQ message. A program
storage device as in any above, wherein the base station and the
user equipment comprise nodes of an evolved universal terrestrial
radio access network.
[0061] A program storage device as in any above, said operations
further comprising: transmitting a HARQ indication from the base
station to the user equipment, wherein the indication is indicative
that unsolicited HARQ is in use by the base station. A program
storage device as in any above, wherein the system information
message comprises the HARQ indication. A program storage device as
in any above, wherein a master information block (MIB) comprises
the HARQ indication. A program storage device as in any above,
wherein a transmission on a physical downlink control channel
(PDCCH) comprises the HARQ indication. A program storage device as
in any above, wherein the HARQ indication comprises a dedicated
value of redundancy version (RV). A program storage device as in
any above, wherein the HARQ indication comprises a HARQ process
identification. A program storage device as in any above, wherein
the machine comprises the base station.
[0062] (3) In another non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, an
apparatus comprising: a data processor; and a transmitter coupled
to the data processor, wherein the transmitter is configured to
transmit a system information message to a user equipment and to
retransmit the system information message as an unsolicited hybrid
automatic repeat-request (HARQ) message to the user equipment,
wherein the unsolicited HARQ is not triggered by an indication from
the user equipment.
[0063] An apparatus as above, wherein the system information
message is retransmitted as the unsolicited HARQ message in order
to maintain a target block error rate (BLER) within a coverage area
of the apparatus. An apparatus as in the previous, wherein the data
processor is configured to estimate a number of HARQ repeats that
are to be sent in order to ensure the target BLER for the coverage
area. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the system information
message comprises at least one broadcast control channel frame. An
apparatus as in any above, wherein the system information message
is transmitted via a dynamic broadcast channel or a downlink shared
channel.
[0064] An apparatus as in any above, wherein the system information
message is retransmitted as the unsolicited HARQ message n times,
wherein n comprises an integer. An apparatus as in any above,
wherein n comprises a predetermined value. An apparatus as in any
above, wherein a value of n is based on at least one measurement
performed by the user equipment or the apparatus. An apparatus as
in any above, wherein a value of n is based on a determined block
error rate.
[0065] An apparatus as in any above, wherein retransmission of the
system information message as the unsolicited HARQ message occurs
within a relatively short time period following the initial
transmission of the system information message. An apparatus as in
any above, further comprising a receiver configured to receive an
acknowledgement or negative acknowledgement from the user equipment
in response to transmission of the system information message or
retransmission of the system information message as the unsolicited
HARQ message. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus
and the user equipment comprise nodes of an evolved universal
terrestrial radio access network. An apparatus as in any above,
wherein the apparatus comprises a base station.
[0066] An apparatus as in any above, wherein the transmitter is
further configured to transmit a HARQ indication from the apparatus
to the user equipment, wherein the HARQ indication is indicative
that unsolicited HARQ is in use by the apparatus. An apparatus as
in any above, wherein the system information message comprises the
HARQ indication. An apparatus as in any above, wherein a master
information block (MIB) comprises the HARQ indication. An apparatus
as in any above, wherein a transmission on a physical downlink
control channel (PDCCH) comprises the HARQ indication. An apparatus
as in any above, wherein the HARQ indication comprises a dedicated
value of redundancy version (RV). An apparatus as in any above,
wherein the HARQ indication comprises a HARQ process
identification.
[0067] (4) In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an
apparatus comprising: means for transmitting a system information
message from a base station to a user equipment; and means for
retransmitting the system information message as an unsolicited
hybrid automatic repeat-request (HARQ) message from the base
station to the user equipment, wherein the unsolicited HARQ message
is not triggered by an indication from the user equipment.
[0068] An apparatus as above, wherein the system information
message is retransmitted as the unsolicited HARQ message in order
to maintain a target block error rate (BLER) within a coverage area
of the apparatus. An apparatus as in the previous, further
comprising: means for estimating a number of HARQ repeats that are
to be sent in order to ensure the target BLER for the coverage
area. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the means for
estimating comprises a processor. An apparatus as in any above,
wherein the system information message comprises at least one
broadcast control channel frame. An apparatus as in any above,
wherein the system information message is transmitted via a dynamic
broadcast channel or a downlink shared channel.
[0069] An apparatus as in any above, wherein the system information
message is retransmitted as the unsolicited HARQ message n times,
wherein n comprises an integer. An apparatus as in any above,
wherein n comprises a predetermined value. An apparatus as in any
above, wherein a value of n is based on at least one measurement
performed by the user equipment or the apparatus. An apparatus as
in any above, wherein a value of n is based on a determined block
error rate.
[0070] An apparatus as in any above, wherein retransmission of the
system information message as the unsolicited HARQ message occurs
within a relatively short time period following the initial
transmission of the system information message. An apparatus as in
any above, further comprising: means for receiving an
acknowledgement or negative acknowledgement from the user equipment
in response to transmission of the system information message or
retransmission of the system information message as the unsolicited
HARQ message. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus
and the user equipment comprise nodes of an evolved universal
terrestrial radio access network. An apparatus as in any above,
wherein the apparatus comprises a base station. An apparatus as in
any above, wherein the means for transmitting and the means for
retransmitting comprise a transmitter or a transceiver. An
apparatus as in any above, further comprising means for processing.
An apparatus as in any above, wherein the means for processing
comprises a processor.
[0071] An apparatus as in any above, further comprising: means for
transmitting a HARQ indication from the base station to the user
equipment, wherein the HARQ indication is indicative that
unsolicited HARQ is in use by the apparatus. An apparatus as in any
above, wherein the system information message comprises the HARQ
indication. An apparatus as in any above, wherein a master
information block (MIB) comprises the HARQ indication. An apparatus
as in any above, wherein a transmission on a physical downlink
control channel (PDCCH) comprises the HARQ indication. An apparatus
as in any above, wherein the HARQ indication comprises a dedicated
value of redundancy version (RV). An apparatus as in any above,
wherein the HARQ indication comprises a HARQ process
identification. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the means for
transmitting the HARQ indication comprises a transmitter or a
transceiver.
[0072] (5) In another non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, and as
illustrated in FIG. 3, a method comprising: transmitting a first
system information message from a first base station to a user
equipment (301); transmitting a second system information message
from a second base station to the user equipment (302);
retransmitting the first system information message as an
unsolicited HARQ message from the first base station to the user
equipment in order to maintain a target BLER within a coverage area
of the first base station, wherein the unsolicited HARQ message is
not triggered by an indication from the user equipment (303); and,
in response to receiving an indication from the user equipment,
retransmitting the second system information message from the
second base station to the user equipment (304).
[0073] A method as above, wherein the first system information
message is retransmitted as the unsolicited HARQ message in order
to maintain a target block error rate (BLER) within a coverage area
of the first base station. A method as in the previous, further
comprising: estimating a number of HARQ repeats that are to be sent
in order to ensure the target BLER for the coverage area of the
first base station. A method as in any above, wherein the first
system information message comprises at least one broadcast control
channel frame. A method as in any above, wherein the first system
information message is transmitted via a dynamic broadcast channel
or a downlink shared channel.
[0074] A method as in any above, wherein the first system
information message is retransmitted as the unsolicited HARQ
message n times, wherein n comprises an integer. A method as in any
above, wherein n comprises a predetermined value. A method as in
any above, wherein a value of n is based on at least one
measurement performed by the user equipment or the first base
station. A method as in any above, wherein a value of n is based on
a determined block error rate.
[0075] A method as in any above, wherein retransmission of the
first system information message as the unsolicited HARQ message
occurs within a relatively short time period following the initial
transmission of the first system information message. A method as
in any above, further comprising: receiving, by the first base
station, an acknowledgement or negative acknowledgement from the
user equipment in response to transmission of the first system
information message or retransmission of the first system
information message as the unsolicited HARQ message. A method as in
any above, wherein at least the first base station and the user
equipment comprise nodes of an evolved universal terrestrial radio
access network. A method as in any above, wherein the method is
implemented by a computer program.
[0076] A method as in any above, further comprising: transmitting a
HARQ indication from the first base station to the user equipment,
wherein the HARQ indication is indicative that unsolicited HARQ is
in use by the first base station. A method as in any above, wherein
the first system information message comprises the HARQ indication.
A method as in any above, wherein a master information block (MIB)
comprises the HARQ indication. A method as in any above, wherein a
transmission on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)
comprises the HARQ indication. A method as in any above, wherein
the HARQ indication comprises a dedicated value of redundancy
version (RV). A method as in any above, wherein the HARQ indication
comprises a HARQ process identification.
[0077] (6) In another non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, and as
depicted in FIG. 4, a method comprising: receiving, by a user
equipment, a system information message from a base station (401);
and receiving, by the user equipment, a retransmitted system
information message from the base station, wherein the
retransmitted system information message comprises an unsolicited
HARQ message that is not triggered by an indication from the user
equipment (402).
[0078] A method as in any above, wherein the system information
message (and/or the retransmitted system information message)
comprises at least one broadcast control channel frame. A method as
in any above, wherein the system information message (and/or the
retransmitted system information message) is received via a dynamic
broadcast channel or a downlink shared channel. A method as in any
above, wherein the retransmitted system information message is
received as an unsolicited HARQ message n times, wherein n
comprises an integer. A method as in any above, wherein n comprises
a predetermined value. A method as in any above, wherein a value of
n is based on at least one measurement performed by the user
equipment or the base station. A method as in any above, wherein a
value of n is based on a determined block error rate.
[0079] A method as in any above, wherein reception of the
retransmitted system information message as the unsolicited HARQ
message occurs within a relatively short time period following the
initial reception of the system information message. A method as in
any above, further comprising: transmitting an acknowledgement or
negative acknowledgement in response to reception of the system
information message or the retransmitted system information message
as the unsolicited HARQ message. A method as in any above, wherein
the base station and/or the user equipment comprise nodes of an
evolved universal terrestrial radio access network. A method as in
any above, wherein the method is implemented by a computer
program.
[0080] A method as in any above, further comprising: receiving a
HARQ indication from the base station, wherein the HARQ indication
is indicative that unsolicited HARQ is in use by the base station.
A method as in any above, wherein the system information message
comprises the HARQ indication. A method as in any above, wherein a
master information block (MIB) comprises the HARQ indication. A
method as in any above, wherein a transmission on a physical
downlink control channel (PDCCH) comprises the HARQ indication. A
method as in any above, wherein the HARQ indication comprises a
dedicated value of redundancy version (RV). A method as in any
above, wherein the HARQ indication comprises a HARQ process
identification.
[0081] (7) In another non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, a program
storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program
of instructions executable by the machine for performing
operations, said operations comprising: receiving, by a user
equipment, a system information message from a base station (401);
and receiving, by the user equipment, a retransmitted system
information message from the base station, wherein the
retransmitted system information message comprises an unsolicited
HARQ message that is not triggered by an indication from the user
equipment (402).
[0082] A program storage device as in any above, wherein the system
information message (and/or the retransmitted system information
message) comprises at least one broadcast control channel frame. A
program storage device as in any above, wherein the system
information message (and/or the retransmitted system information
message) is received via a dynamic broadcast channel or a downlink
shared channel. A program storage device as in any above, wherein
the retransmitted system information message is received as an
unsolicited HARQ message n times, wherein n comprises an integer. A
program storage device as in any above, wherein n comprises a
predetermined value. A program storage device as in any above,
wherein a value of n is based on at least one measurement performed
by the user equipment or the base station. A program storage device
as in any above, wherein a value of n is based on a determined
block error rate.
[0083] A program storage device as in any above, wherein reception
of the retransmitted system information message as the unsolicited
HARQ message occurs within a relatively short time period following
the initial reception of the system information message. A program
storage device as in any above, said operations further comprising:
transmitting an acknowledgement or negative acknowledgement in
response to reception of the system information message or the
retransmitted system information message as the unsolicited HARQ
message. A program storage device as in any above, wherein the base
station and/or the user equipment comprise nodes of an evolved
universal terrestrial radio access network.
[0084] A program storage device as in any above, said operations
further comprising: receiving a HARQ indication from the base
station, wherein the HARQ indication is indicative that unsolicited
HARQ is in use by the base station. A program storage device as in
any above, wherein the system information message comprises the
HARQ indication. A program storage device as in any above, wherein
a master information block (MIB) comprises the HARQ indication. A
program storage device as in any above, wherein a transmission on a
physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) comprises the HARQ
indication. A program storage device as in any above, wherein the
HARQ indication comprises a dedicated value of redundancy version
(RV). A program storage device as in any above, wherein the HARQ
indication comprises a HARQ process identification. A program
storage device as in any above, wherein the machine comprises the
user equipment.
[0085] (8) In another non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, an
apparatus comprising: a data processor; and a receiver coupled to
the data processor, wherein the receiver is configured to receive a
system information message from a base station and to receive a
retransmitted system information message from the base station,
wherein the retransmitted system information message comprises an
unsolicited HARQ message that is not triggered by an indication
from the apparatus.
[0086] An apparatus as above, wherein the system information
message (and/or the retransmitted system information message)
comprises at least one broadcast control channel frame. An
apparatus as in any above, wherein the system information message
(and/or the retransmitted system information message) is received
via a dynamic broadcast channel or a downlink shared channel. An
apparatus as in any above, wherein the retransmitted system
information message is received as an unsolicited HARQ message n
times, wherein n comprises an integer. An apparatus as in any
above, wherein n comprises a predetermined value. An apparatus as
in any above, wherein a value of n is based on at least one
measurement performed by the apparatus or the base station. An
apparatus as in any above, wherein a value of n is based on a
determined block error rate.
[0087] An apparatus as in any above, wherein reception of the
retransmitted system information message as the unsolicited HARQ
message occurs within a relatively short time period following the
initial reception of the system information message. An apparatus
as in any above, further comprising: a transmitter configured to
transmit an acknowledgement or negative acknowledgement in response
to the receiver receiving the system information message or the
retransmitted system information message as the unsolicited HARQ
message. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the base station
and/or the apparatus comprise nodes of an evolved universal
terrestrial radio access network.
[0088] An apparatus as in any above, wherein the receiver is
further configured to receive a HARQ indication from the base
station, wherein the HARQ indication is indicative that unsolicited
HARQ is in use by the base station. An apparatus as in any above,
wherein the system information message comprises the HARQ
indication. An apparatus as in any above, wherein a master
information block (MIB) comprises the HARQ indication. An apparatus
as in any above, wherein a transmission on a physical downlink
control channel (PDCCH) comprises the HARQ indication. An apparatus
as in any above, wherein the HARQ indication comprises a dedicated
value of redundancy version (RV). An apparatus as in any above,
wherein the HARQ indication comprises a HARQ process
identification.
[0089] An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus
comprises a user equipment, a mobile station, a mobile terminal, a
mobile phone, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA)
having wireless communication capabilities, a portable computer
having wireless communication capabilities, an image capture device
such as a digital camera having wireless communication
capabilities, a gaming device having wireless communication
capabilities, a music storage and playback appliance having
wireless communication capabilities, an Internet appliance
permitting wireless Internet access and browsing, or a portable
unit or terminal that incorporates combinations of such
functions.
[0090] (9) In another non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, an
apparatus comprising: means for receiving a system information
message from a base station (401); and means for receiving a
retransmitted system information message from the base station,
wherein the retransmitted system information message comprises an
unsolicited HARQ that is not triggered by an indication from the
user equipment (402).
[0091] An apparatus as above, wherein the system information
message (and/or the retransmitted system information message)
comprises at least one broadcast control channel frame. An
apparatus as in any above, wherein the system information message
(and/or the retransmitted system information message) is received
via a dynamic broadcast channel or a downlink shared channel. An
apparatus as in any above, wherein the retransmitted system
information message is received as an unsolicited HARQ message n
times, wherein n comprises an integer. An apparatus as in any
above, wherein n comprises a predetermined value. An apparatus as
in any above, wherein a value of n is based on at least one
measurement performed by the apparatus or the base station. An
apparatus as in any above, wherein a value of n is based on a
determined block error rate.
[0092] An apparatus as in any above, wherein reception of the
retransmitted system information message as the unsolicited HARQ
message occurs within a relatively short time period following the
initial reception of the system information message. An apparatus
as in any above, further comprising: means for transmitting an
acknowledgement or negative acknowledgement in response to
reception of the system information message or the retransmitted
system information message as the unsolicited HARQ message. An
apparatus as in any above, wherein the base station and/or the
apparatus comprise nodes of an evolved universal terrestrial radio
access network. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the means for
receiving the system information message and the means for
receiving the retransmitted system information message comprise a
receiver or a transceiver. An apparatus as in any above, further
comprising means for processing. An apparatus as in any above,
wherein the means for processing comprises a processor (or a data
processor).
[0093] An apparatus as in any above, further comprising: means for
receiving a HARQ indication from the base station, wherein the HARQ
indication is indicative that unsolicited HARQ is in use by the
base station. An apparatus as in any above, wherein the system
information message comprises the HARQ indication. An apparatus as
in any above, wherein a master information block (MIB) comprises
the HARQ indication. An apparatus as in any above, wherein a
transmission on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)
comprises the HARQ indication. An apparatus as in any above,
wherein the HARQ indication comprises a dedicated value of
redundancy version (RV). An apparatus as in any above, wherein the
HARQ indication comprises a HARQ process identification. An
apparatus as in any above, wherein the means for receiving the HARQ
indication comprises a receiver or a transceiver.
[0094] An apparatus as in any above, wherein the apparatus
comprises a user equipment, a mobile station, a mobile terminal, a
mobile phone, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA)
having wireless communication capabilities, a portable computer
having wireless communication capabilities, an image capture device
such as a digital camera having wireless communication
capabilities, a gaming device having wireless communication
capabilities, a music storage and playback appliance having
wireless communication capabilities, an Internet appliance
permitting wireless Internet access and browsing, or a portable
unit or terminal that incorporates combinations of such
functions.
[0095] The exemplary embodiments of the invention, as discussed
above and as particularly described with respect to exemplary
methods, may be implemented as a computer program product
comprising program instructions embodied on a tangible
computer-readable medium. Execution of the program instructions
results in operations comprising steps of utilizing the exemplary
embodiments or steps of the method.
[0096] The exemplary embodiments of the invention, as discussed
above and as particularly described with respect to exemplary
methods, may be implemented in conjunction with a program storage
device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of
instructions executable by the machine for performing operations.
The operations comprise steps of utilizing the exemplary
embodiments or steps of the method.
[0097] It should be noted that the terms "connected," "coupled," or
any variant thereof, mean any connection or coupling, either direct
or indirect, between two or more elements, and may encompass the
presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements
that are "connected" or "coupled" together. The coupling or
connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a
combination thereof. As employed herein two elements may be
considered to be "connected" or "coupled" together by the use of
one or more wires, cables and/or printed electrical connections, as
well as by the use of electromagnetic energy, such as
electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency
region, the microwave region and the optical (both visible and
invisible) region, as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive
examples. Note that as utilized herein, a system information
message may be considered to comprise or further correspond to a
system information block or any other message portion or entire
message that comprises similar or corresponding system
information.
[0098] While the exemplary embodiments have been described above in
the context of the E-UTRAN (UTRAN-LTE) system, it should be
appreciated that the exemplary embodiments of this invention are
not limited for use with only this one particular type of wireless
communication system, and that they may be used to advantage in
other wireless communication systems.
[0099] In general, the various exemplary embodiments may be
implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software,
logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be
implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in
firmware or software which may be executed by a controller,
microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is
not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be
illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using
some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that
these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described
herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware,
software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general
purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some
combination thereof.
[0100] The exemplary embodiments of the inventions may be practiced
in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The
design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated
process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for
converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design
ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.
[0101] Programs, such as those provided by Synopsys, Inc. of
Mountain View, Calif. and Cadence Design, of San Jose, Calif.
automatically route conductors and locate components on a
semiconductor chip using well established rules of design as well
as libraries of pre-stored design modules. Once the design for a
semiconductor circuit has been completed, the resultant design, in
a standardized electronic format (e.g., Opus, GDSII, or the like)
may be transmitted to a semiconductor fabrication facility or "fab"
for fabrication.
[0102] The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary
and non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the
invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may
become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of
the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such
and similar modifications of the teachings of this invention will
still fall within the scope of the non-limiting and exemplary
embodiments of this invention.
[0103] Furthermore, some of the features of the preferred
embodiments of this invention could be used to advantage without
the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing
description should be considered as merely illustrative of the
principles, teachings and exemplary embodiments of this invention,
and not in limitation thereof.
* * * * *